Eric Bana joins King Arthur

Eric Bana will play Uther, King Arthur's father in Guy Ritchie's forthcoming movie 'Knights Of The Round Table: King Arthur'

Eric Bana has joined the cast of 'Knights Of The Round Table: King Arthur'.

The 'Deliver Us From Evil' actor will play Uther, the father of Charlie Hunnam's Arthur, in Guy Ritchie's forthcoming movie, Variety reports.

According to the industry publication, the role "isn't the biggest" but the director and studio Warner Bros. were keen to get a big name for the part and initially considered 'Taken' star Liam Neeson for the role.

As well as Eric and Charlie, Astrid Berges-Frisbey is on board to play Guinevere, while the filmmaker's 'Sherlock Holmes' actor Jude Law - who played Watson opposite Robert Downey Jr. in the title role - is in talks to play the villain.

Plot details from Joby Harold's script are being kept under wraps, but the movie is due for release on July 22, 2016.

It is hoped the film will be successful enough to kick-start a franchise, with the story of King Arthur and his legendary knights of the kingdom of Camelot to be told over six installments.

Bana recently wrapped production on 'The Finest Hours' for Disney, and is also attached to star in 'Special Correspondents', a spy action comedy written and directed by Ricky Gervais, and 'The Secret Scripture'.